Main Stage Program

Directors Note

Misha Kobiliansky

This production begins with a love story.

During the Christmas holidays of 2024 I read “Henry IV” (parts I & II) for the first time in my life and I became obsessed with that play to the level of a love affair. I was thinking about it literally every single day.

It began as a fun little literary experiment - I wanted to see whether I could combine both parts of “Henry IV” into a single play. I spent a few months creating my first draft. However, pretty soon I found I couldn't let go of it. I kept changing and polishing it. I also noticed that I started staging the actual play in my mind. Before too long I found myself pitching the show to BIV, and then running auditions and rehearsals.

If anyone should ask “What is it you love most about this play?” I couldn’t give a concise answer. It’s a history play which describes (some) actual historical events and figures, but, as with any great story, the setting in this play merely serves as background for the characters - which, in my opinion, are among the best Shakespeare has ever written. These are the sort of characters that desperately want to come to life on stage.

Another thing this play does uncannily well is effortlessly shift between comedy and tragedy, creating a truly unique atmosphere. This blend is enhanced even further by the polarity of the two different worlds that co-exist in this play - the rigid, noble, and responsible world of the royal court; and the rough and carefree world of the tavern goers.

And, of course, this play resonates today just as well as it did 400 years ago. Coming of age, freedom vs responsibility, fathers and sons, allure and burden of rule, honor vs safety - these are just a few of the themes “Henry IV” is dealing with.

With so much going on, the relationships between the characters can get incredibly nuanced - and yet the play remains simple at its core, easy to perceive and comprehend. Hence its greatness.

I’m delighted and privileged to share it with you.

SCENE SUMMARY

Scene 1

King Henry’s crusade plans are put on hold as wars in Wales and Scotland are ongoing. The English forces suffer a defeat in Wales, but the mighty Hotspur prevails in Scotland. The King praises Hotspur, while lamenting that his own son is leading a wasteful life. Noting that Hotspur failed to send his Scottish prisoners to the court, the King summons Hotspur to answer for it.

Scene 2

Hal and Falstaff’s leisurely banter at the tavern is interrupted by Poins, who plots a highway robbery. Hal seems reluctant to join at first, but Poins persuades him by sharing a secret plot to pull a double robbery and play a prank on Falstaff. Left alone, Hal talks through his plan to reform and surprise the world by casting off his former self.

Scene 3

Hotspur, his father, and his uncle answer King Henry’s summons. The King deals harshly with them, dismissing them from the court, and infuriating Hotspur by refusing to ransom Mortimer, his close relative. Hotspur’s uncle Worcester then reveals a secret plot to rebel against the King.

Scene 4

Falstaff and company successfully rob a couple of wealthy travelers on a forest trail. However, disguised Prince Hal and Poins immediately set upon the thieves, forcing them to flee and leave their plunder behind.

Scene 5

Hotspur is rushing the rebellion, concerned that their plot will be revealed to the King. He departs, despite pleas from his wife to stay and share his plans with her.

Scene 6

At the tavern Hal and Poins expose Falstaff’s greatly exaggerated lies about the robbery. Hal is summoned to the castle with news of rebel uprising. Hal and Falstaff take turns role-playing the upcoming meeting between the Prince and his father. They’re interrupted by the Sheriff, who’s searching for Falstaff. Hal hides Falstaff, sends the Sheriff away, and departs to the castle.

Scene 7

King Henry IV severely reprimands Prince Hal for his ill fitting behaviour. Hal solemnly vows to redeem himself by defeating Hotspur. The King is touched and accepts the vow. Sir Walter Blunt arrives with news that the rebels have gathered a mighty force at Shrewsbury.

Scene 8

Falstaff blames the Hostess over his being pick-pocketed and an argument ensues. Hal arrives and reveals he was the one who picked Falstaff's pocket. Hal informs Falstaff he has been given a command in the army and departs for the war.

INTERMISSION

Scene 9

At the rebel camp, Hotspur learns some of his allies are unable to join the fight on time, including his father who is sick. As a result the rebels are outnumbered by the King’s army. Hotspur intends to fight despite the odds, while Worcester and Vernon argue against it. Sir Walter Blunt arrives with an offer of pardon from the King if the rebels yield their hostility.

Scene 10

Worcester and Vernon arrive at the King’s camp to negotiate. Prince Hal suggests resolving the conflict in a single fight between himself and Hotspur, but his proposal is not taken seriously. As Worcester is sent back with the offer of mercy, the King calls to start battle preparations.

Scene 11

Worcester decides to hide the King’s offer of mercy from Hotspur, instead claiming that battle is inevitable. He mentions Hal’s proposal of single fight, with Vernon heaping praise on the Prince’s bearing. Hotspur rallies the rebels and gives the signal to commence the battle.

Scene 12

During the Battle of Shrewsbury, Prince Hal rescues the King and later kills Hotspur in single combat. Falstaff feigns death to survive the battle, then stabs Hotspur’s corpse and claims the kill for himself. The King orders the execution of Worcester and Vernon after their defeat, but collapses with illness while delivering the victory speech.

Scene 13

Back at the castle, King Henry’s condition worsens despite news of victory on all fronts. Prince Hal deems the sleeping Henry IV dead, leaves the King’s bedside with the crown. The King is wrathful at first, but eventually reconciles with Hal and gives him his blessings before dying.

Scene 14

Pistol brings news of the King's death to Falstaff, who assumes he will now come into power, being close to Hal. Overjoyed, Falstaff and his companions ride through the night to meet the new King Henry V.

Scene 15

During the coronation procession, Falstaff greets the new King Henry V, only to be publicly rejected and banished by Hal, who wants to distance himself from his former careless life. Falstaff is left by his followers and remains alone.

Cast and Crew

Donal Thoms-Cappello - Sir John Falstaff

Donal is thrilled to be making his Bard in the Valley debut. Stage credits include AR Gurney's Broadway premiere of Big Bill (Jimmy) at Lincoln Center, Richard III (Catesby, Richard u/s) at Sacred Fools Theatre, Into the Woods (Prince) at Knightsbridge Theatre, Picnic (Hal) at Phoenix Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius) at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare, and City of Angels (Stine) at PIT Collective. Film and TV credits include The Red Machine (2010), A Person Known To Me (2013) and roles on Virgin River (Netflix), Timeless (NBC), and Siren (Disney). He has trained at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Judith Weston Studios in Los Angeles, and holds a BFA in Acting from Rutgers University, with an MFA in Creative Writing from U. of British Columbia

Santiago Henao - Prince Hal

Growing up in Chilliwack, Santiago Henao was drawn to the stage early, though distance from Vancouver limited audition opportunities. After moving to Vancouver for university, he committed fully to acting, training with coaches including Al Miro and Matthew Harrison, and building credits across film, television, and stage. He has since developed a diverse screen resume, with principal roles in Lifetime and Hallmark films, as well as short projects.

In 2024, Santiago gained recognition for his role as Hal in David Auburn’s Proof, directed by Lori Tych at the White Rock Players Club. The production advanced to the North Shore Zone Festival of Theatre BC, where he received Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Santiago is fluent in Spanish and French. Outside of acting, he enjoys weekend surfing trips to Tofino. He is represented by Jason Ainslie at Principals Talent Inc.

Matt Loop - King Henry IV

“How bloodily the sun begins to peer above yon bulky hill…" Matt, an actor/landscaper based in Vancouver, welcomes you to this wonderful production of "Henry IV". His first professional play was “MacBeth" at the Caravan Farm Theatre at the age of 16, playing Donalbain and various supporting characters, beginning his love of Shakespeare. He also had the opportunity to play Banquo in Vital Spark Theatre’s recent production of Cauldron. Matt was last seen in Kenneth Scott’s staged reading of “To The Fringe” in February, as well as Trevor in Black Box Theatre’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” last year on Granville Island. A huge thank you to Misha and Bard in the Valley for allowing Matt to take on the incredible role of King Henry IV, as well as to the cast and crew for all their hard work. “Thus ever did rebellion find rebuke!"

Dylan Coulter - Hotspur

Dylan works with BIV on many capacities. Foremost, Dylan is the Vice-President of Bard in the Valley. He has directed a number of productions with the latest bing The Merry Wives of Windsor and Winter's Tale. Dylan has been on stage for BIV more times than we can remember. Backstage has Dylan choreographs our fight scenes and helps with our transition team.

Dylan would like to thank all the people in his life that help make acting possible while being a father of two, and a full time teacher.

Mark Fraser - Earl of Worcester, Sheriff, Traveler 1

Mark fell in love with acting as a child and was involved with numerous productions with Calgary Young People’s Theatre. He received his formal acting training in Toronto and has worked in film, television and theatre. Previous shows he has been involved with include playing Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Shakespearean Twelfth Night, Van (a grown up Linus Van Pelt from The Peanuts characters) in Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, and Sir Christopher Wren in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. He is actively continuing his acting career in Vancouver B.C. Aside from acting, Mark is very active on Social media, particularly TikTok where his comedic sketches gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Larsen - Tavern Hostess, Earl of Warwick, Bardolph

Jennifer Larsen is delighted to return to the stage with Bard in the Valley in Henry IV, appearing as the Tavern Hostess, the Earl of Warwick, and Lord Bardolph. She recently appeared in Miracle on 34th Street with Gallery 7 Theatre, where she played Dr. Pierce and Judge Harper. Jennifer is grateful to be part of this talented cast and creative team.

Nate Neale - Ned Poins, Sir Richard Vernon

Nate Neale is a Caribbean-Canadian actor and writer. Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been drawn together by storytellers. Even though we no longer crouch around fires to do so, Nate Neale was thrilled to join their ranks. With a background in theater and performing arts all through childhood and high school, he then pivoted to film & TV after graduation. Nate continues to act in films, write and recite poetry and spoken word, and write scripts and screenplays. He cannot wait to bring "Ned Poins" and "Sir Richard Vernon" to life.

Sierra Alexander - Lady Percy, Sir Walter Blunt

Sierra Alexander is an actress based in Vancouver, and is excited for her first BIV show, as well as her first show since graduating university! She is delighted to be playing both Lady Percy and Sir Walter Blunt, and is very eager to be back on the stage! She studied at the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre, where she starred in shows such as The Killing Game (Phoenix), Uncle Vanya (Phoenix), and Archive of Our Unknown (SATCo).

Jonathan “Sharky” Friesen - Peto, Earl of Northumberland

Jonathan Friesen, known as “Sharky” to some, is again quite chuffed to be returning to Bard in the Valley for his fourth summer show. You may have seen him as the Welsh priest, Sir Hugh Evans, in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Camillo, the cup-bearer, in The Winter's Tale, and Cloten, the pompous puppet, in Cymbeline. Other than summer Shakespeare, he spends most of his time with kids – at his work as an ECE plus his own two at home, who inspire him daily.

Braidan Murphy - Earl of Westmoreland, Morton, Traveler 2

Braidan is an Irish-Canadian actor currently based in Langley, BC. His career began in community theatre, primarily in Ontario before moving to Vancouver to pursue film where he has starred in a number of vertical dramas. This is Braidan’s first time performing Shakespeare, and is his first time on stage again since 2018.

Connor Runnings - Pistol, Travers

Connor Runnings is an actor, playwright and performer from Lasqueti Island, Canada. Having acted in plays since elementary school, Connor has always been drawn to the performing arts as a mode of self-expression. Notable milestones include Built Different at rEvolver festival in 2022 and his summer as a Parliamentary Player in 2024. He made his Shakespeare debut in BIV’s own The Merry Wives of Windsor in 2025 and is thrilled to be working with the company again.

Misha Kobiliansky - Director

I feel grateful and privileged for a decade-long acting journey with BIV. Its highlights include being transformed to a donkey as Nick Bottom (Midsummer Night’s Dream), wearing yellow stockings as Malvolio (Twelfth Night), and exiting chased by a bear (The Winter’s Tale).

It is a special moment for me to mark my 10th anniversary with BIV by taking my turn in the director’s chair and sharing with the world my love of this beautiful play, “Henry IV”. Hope you enjoy it!

Max Cowan - Stage Manager

Maxwell is thrilled to be returning to BIV for his fifth show stage managing. A recent graduate from York University's Devised Theatre program, Max is returning to his roots in his hometown with the company that started his stage management journey. While not busy backstage, Max can be seen appearing in the role of "Mr. Cowan" in any number of Langley schools.

Brad Hendy - Producer

Happy to be on the leadership team of this show and organization. Each season we work hard to bring a unique venue and terrific show to our community. Thank you to all the actors, crew, volunteers and board members. Henry IV has brought out some top talent in both acting and crew.

Bryan Cutler - Production Manager / Set

Since joining Bard in the Valley in 2023, Bryan Cutler has been an essential part of bringing our productions to life. As Production Manager and Set Builder, Bryan combines creativity, craftsmanship, and technical expertise to turn design concepts into fully realized worlds on stage. His problem-solving skills and steady leadership help ensure each show runs smoothly from build to curtain call. Whether constructing intricate sets or coordinating the behind-the-scenes logistics, Bryan’s dedication and ingenuity are key to the magic our audiences see each season.

Emma Blu Pabuaya - Costume Designer

Emma Blu is a Vancouver interdisciplinary artist and costumer, recently graduated from Capilano University. She works in theatre and film, contributing acting, costumes, and puppet design for productions including The Wizard of Oz, The Lightning Thief, Twelfth Night, Carrie, and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors in British Columbia this year.

Shawn McGrory - Props Master

Shawn has been with Bard in the Valley since the beginning. He has worked in all capacities for BIV. Board Director, Producer, Actor and Props - I'm sure he's done more too. Shawn continues to guide BIV on decision making and props. As we grow as an organization Shawn has given us a sounding board for advice.

Dylan Coulter - Fight Choreographer

Emma Johnston - Concession supervisor

Emma Johnston keeps the Bard in the Valley audience refreshed and smiling as our dedicated concession manager. With her friendly energy and exceptional organizational skills, Emma ensures every show night runs smoothly—from stocking treats to serving guests with a welcoming smile. Her commitment to creating a positive experience for patrons adds a special touch to every performance. Bard in the Valley is grateful for Emma’s hard work and enthusiasm, both behind the counter and behind the scenes.

Amy Houweling - Social Media

Amy Houweling is a local artist and talented graphic designer . She graduated with distinction from BCIT's Graphic Design program. Amy joined BIV as the social media coordinator. She has a passion for nature, arts, and literature, and her favourite Shakespeare play is Hamlet. If you would like to contact her about her services, feel free to email hello@amyhouweling.art

Phay Moores - Intimacy Coach

Phay Moore is Bard in the Valley’s resident intimacy coach, supporting our artists in creating safe, respectful, and authentic performances. With a deep understanding of boundaries, consent, and storytelling, Phay helps performers navigate scenes of closeness and vulnerability with care and confidence. Their thoughtful approach fosters trust within the cast and ensures that emotional and physical storytelling is handled with professionalism and sensitivity. Bard in the Valley is grateful for Phay’s expertise in making our rehearsal spaces safe, creative, and empowering for all.

Kylie Knowlson - Photographer

Kylie Knowlson is a photographer based in the Fraser Valley. She’s been capturing moments with Bard in the Valley for several years and always enjoys the creativity and fun that come with making photos together.

HENRY IV